Discussion Questions
1. "After killing the red-haired man, I took myself off to Quinn's for an oyster supper."
The first line unexpectedly introduces Edward Glyver as a murderer. In some ways he is an unlikely hero. How quickly does the reader begin to support him? Is it sympathy, admiration or something else that first causes the reader to support this character?
2. What is the significance of the book's title?
For Death is the meaning of night.
The eternal shadow
Into which all lives must fall
All hopes expire
—P. Rainsford Daunt, "From the Persian"
3. What does the role of the editor, J.J. Antrobus, add to the book?
4. "I think much of her—I mean my mother—and how alike we were."
How are Glyver and his mother Laura Duport similar? Do you think her actions were justifiable?
5. In an interview, Michael Cox said that "Evenwood, the revishingly beautiful country house, is a symbol of ultimately forlorn hopes."
Which hope in particular do you think Evenwood symbolizes? It is merely materialistic? What is it about Evenwood that Glyver is prepared to kill for?
6. The chapter in which Le Grice gives Glyver a book of Daunt's poetry dedicated to E.G. is entitled "Amicus Verus"—a true friend. Is Le Grice Glyver's truest friend? Is there a character with whome Glyver has a stronger bond, even if their relationship does not survive the book?
7. "I killed him, but in doing so, I killed the best part of myself."
Which characters receive appropriate punishments and which do not? Were you satisfied with the book's ending?
(Questions issued by the publisher.)
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